Beating the bullies
Hassled pals get support from around the world
Two schoolboys who were beaten by bullies have a “new-found confidence” after our story about their plight received worldwide attention last week.
The Advertiser told how 40 bikers descended on a Larkhall street to show their support for the pals who had been the victims of severe bullying in recent months.
And a heartbreaking picture of Darren Stevenson, who had his head split open in a recent attack involving an electric plug, sparked outrage amongst readers across the globe.
The seven-year-old was afraid to leave the house after he was attacked by a group of boys while he was on his way to a post box with his letter to Santa.
Both Darren and his friend Connor Torrance, also of Hareleeshill, had been subjected to months of physical and verbal abuse.
However, as the news of the bullying spread, including the recent attack on Darren, it prompted a visit from Bikes Against Bullies.
The group offer creative support for the victims of bullying and their families, and the bikers took time out to spend with the boys and offer them support and guidance.
Following the touching story, messages of support have been flooding in from across the globe for the lads. The family of both boys have received offers of gifts and Christmas cards in a bid to put a smile back on the youngsters’ faces.
Darren’s mum Laura Armstrong explained: “The last week has been so overwhelming. The story has been shared across the world.
“We can’t believe how generous and supportive people have been.
“Darren has discovered a newfound confidence and everyone has been stopping him in the street and wishing him well.
“It really has brought the community together. This was a terrible thing to happen to the boys but I am so glad something positive has come out of it all.
“We’ve had so many messages of support and people have been so sympathetic.
“The story has touched the hearts of so many and one lady has even paid for the boys to take a trip to have breakfast with Santa at Dobbies Garden Centre.
“It has just been amazing and both Kristina (Connor’s mum) and I would like to thank everyone so much.”
I am so glad something positive has come out of it all